Def Expo 2016: Protests continue in south Goa's Betul

Hundreds of protesters opposing the holding of Defence Expo at Betul in south Goa scheduled for next month continued their agitation for second day and blocked the trucks carrying construction material to the site.
According to an eye witness, the group of protesters comprising Goa Congress Chief Luizinho Faleiro, local legislator Chandrakant Kavlekar, activists and villagers blocked some trucks carrying construction material for the mega event, from entering Betul.
NGO Orixtt Porjecho Avaz (OPA), which is spearheading the protest raised objections that event was being planned without taking locals' into confidence.
In order to reach a solution, district administration has approached the agitators with a notice of a meeting with Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar this evening in Margao town, a government official said.

"The South District Collector in presence of Chief Minister will be presenting the details about the Def Expo to the agitators. All the section of people are invited for it," the notice read.
Meanwhile, the Goa government defended the event, claiming that more than 860 companies are participating in Def Expo and it will boost state's tourism during lean season.

"In 2014, when it (Def Expo) was held in Delhi, total 550 companies had participated. This time the number has gone up and 860 companies have registered their presence, of which more than 50 per cent are foreign firms," the chief minister had said last evening.

He had saidaround 5,000 delegates and more than one lakh businessvisitors are expected to visit which includes 50 per cent foreign visitors.
"The entire infrastructure will be created on 1.50 lakh square meter built up area. Entire logistic equipments worth Rs 400 crore would be purchased from local vendors. This event is being held during lean tourism season, hence, these four days will help boost tourist economy," he added.
Yesterday, protesters, led by Congress MLA Chandrakant Kavlekar and independent MLA Vijai Sardessai, alleged that the land of the villagers would be acquired permanently on the pretext of the Expo.